Historical Collection Highlights

This Revolutionary Era 3-Pounder cannonball was likely made for a 3-pounder galloper. This was a smaller cannon which was an attempt to increase the mobility of cannons. Cannons had been stationary weapons for centuries and had an in-depth process to limber up and move with teams of horses. These cannons were lighters and could be moved somewhat faster than their larger counterparts, however it was not a significant enough increase because of the crew still being on foot.

The cannon ball itself showcases the increase in domestic manufacturing of weaponry and ammunition as the war continued. Cannonballs such as this one was made at forges such as Patuxent Forge between 1777 and 1787. In addition, both domestic and foreign supplies needed to be transported to and collected by the Colonial Army. This was accomplished in several ways. There were many wagons trains that were used to transport goods and weapons to the Colonial Army and its forces, but these were slowed by poor infostructure, weather conditions, and were disrupted by British forces attempted to starve the rebellion out. In times like these the Colonial Army was tasked with foraging its own supplies from the surrounding area. This could mean foraging in forests or requisitioning supplies from local towns and farmers. This created some tensions between the Colonial Army and the local populus. Many times during the war there were severe supply shortages that almost ended the revolution and without the efforts of dedicated individuals and forces the war may have been lost.